Category Archives: Talking Shop

I was alarmed when I read recently that the teacher turnover rate for most districts in the United States is close to 20 percent.  This undoubtedly is problematic with regards to student achievement and school budgets.  According to recent research … Continue reading →
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In class this week, the Fredericksburg cohort met for our first EDLP 713 session.  The highlight of the evening came with the discussion surrounding each colleague’s individual journey with respect to their program evaluations.  I appreciated the exercise and the … Continue reading →
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Research (Weiner, 1996; Nicholls, 1982; Dweck, 2002, 1999) indicates that one of the most important things educators do is communicate to students that what we will learn is important, that we can learn it well, and that we won’t give … Continue reading →
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            Some interesting events have unfolded which have forced me to take stock and ask some pretty pointed questions when it comes to the delivery of professional development.  How do we as educators prefer to receive professional development?  There seems … Continue reading →
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Many school districts in states that have adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are raising concerns about their technological preparedness when it comes to administering online assessments in two years.  In a time when human and capital resources are scarce, uncertainties surrounding … Continue reading →
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The leaves are changing colors and the chill of Fall is in the air.  October is here and school is once again in full swing!  Each year, the month of October is dedicated to raising awareness of bullying prevention through … Continue reading →
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As A Division Testing Specialist, who oversees the Virginia Grade-Level Alternative Assessment (VGLA) I am often asked about determining accurate reading levels for English Language Learners (ELLs) who are participating in the VGLA for reading.  This is not always an … Continue reading →
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A recent article posted in education week was spot on regarding making teachers value added scores public information.  I agree that taxpayers, principals and other school administrators have a right to know how teachers are performing. I also full heartedly … Continue reading →
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At the onset of our Wimba Classroom conversation, it was apparent that each member of the group had discussed the assignment ahead of time with members of their individual cohorts and had some really great ideas for focus.  Ultimately, the … Continue reading →
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“States began enacting tenure laws more than a century ago in an attempt to guard against rampant nepotism, cronyism and arbitrary dismissals.” On college campuses, tenure generally amounts to a job guarantee for professors. But in K-12 public schools, tenure entitles teachers … Continue reading →
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